Master of Fine Art University of Oregon
Bachelor of Fine Art Concordia University
Master of Architecture University of Manitoba
Bachelor of Environmental Studies University of Manitoba                                                                                                                                           

John Graham is a multidisciplinary artist who teaches in the Department of Art & Art History. John is an Associate Professor, and the Chair of Printmaking/Digital Media. John has supervised printmaking, painting and drawing thesis work for past MFA and BFA students. John is also open to providing advising and supervision for all forms of contemporary art-making.

John's artistic practice and research interests span all forms of art-making. His ever diversifying art practice includes print media, artist’s books, painting, drawing, multi-media installations, and short experimental films. John joined the University of Saskatchewan in 2013. He started his professional creative life by studying architecture and working as an architect. He later shifted his artistic focus to study and create fine art. His visual art has been widely exhibited in North America, Asia and Europe. John has participated in artist residencies worldwide and has been the recipient of multiple awards, grants, fellowships and prizes in visual art and film. His 9 short experimental films have been screened at over 180 international film festivals, gallery venues and awards ceremonies in 38 countries. His artwork has been acquired by dozens of public and private art collections across Canada and around the world. This includes the fine art collections of the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Loto-Quebec Corporation, the National Bank of Canada, the National Library of Canada, the National Library of Quebec, the New York Public Library, and the Canada Council Art Bank. His short experimental films are in the collections of the National Film Board of Canada, the City of Ottawa, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Saskatchewan Arts Board.

A R T I S T     S T A T E M E N T

I seek to embody a sense of reverent pluralism in my work. Reverence is commonly reserved for one focus. This is unlike the reverence that I feel for a multiplicity of interests. The visual subject of my work remains pluralistic and polymorphous. My artwork does not reflect me but rather, it is an extension of myself. It is my intention that the ongoing metaphorical references that occur in my work gently attempt to expand upon the frontiers of meaning. 

My creative interests easily shift amongst media. In all processes, I select and assemble ideas, and visual material abiding to symbolic connotations and intuitive appeal. The inspiration of many of these dreamlike images has evolved in organic processes. My creative process in all media embraces much improvisation. While I create images, I recognize the surfacing of forms and hybrid figures that may blend with fragments of memory and inner visions of my mind’s eye. Many of these images embody metaphorical relationships, mythological storytelling and narrative qualities. All of this imagery is intended to somehow reflect the complex nature of interior knowledge.

1) ART 151.3 Introductory Printmaking 

2) ART 251.3 Intermediate Printmaking 

3) ART 326.3/327.3 and 476.3/477.3 Printmaking III and IV

4) ART 450.3/451.3/452.3/453.3/Special Studies in Printmaking 

5) ART 851.3/852.3 Printmaking (graduate) 

6) BFA Thesis supervisor & MFA committee member & supervisor

Dream aesthetics and psychology Mythological, allegorical and metaphorical visual storytelling Safer Printmaking and Multi-disciplinary Art Short experimental films Visual poetics and Expressionism

As a multi-disciplinary artist, I enjoy shifting through different media to explore new artistic and conceptual ideas. New projects blend and integrate my skills and artistic sensibilities with my background as a visual artist and experimental filmmaker. 

The subject of my artistic research continues to remain pluralistic, fluid and polymorphous. My artwork does not reflect me but rather are an extension of myself. It is my intention that the ongoing metaphorical references that occur in my work gently expand upon the frontiers of meaning. The alchemical circuit and integration of our conscious thoughts, imaginary perceptions, and subconscious dream information are one of the most fulfilling ways in which to enrich our worldly experiences

It is my goal in my art practice to metaphorically explore poetic visuals, subconscious dream symbols, psychological tone and symbolism in projects. My artwork is inspired by the notion that dreams know the truth of the world. New projects are infused with motifs from the interior symbolic life of inner worlds and unpredictable juxtapositions that interest all Surrealists. For me, collaging involves the intuitive building of spontaneous juxtapositions that create open relationships. In all of my art-making processes, I explore a desire to continually inter-relate with the knowledge of the subconscious mind. 

1997-1999 Master of Fine Art University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA

1990-1994 Bachelor of Fine Arts Concordia University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

1983-1986 Master of Architecture University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

1980-1983 Bachelor of Environmental Studies University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada